Being in this industry for an extended period of time is a true feat. Our friends Fitzsimon and Brogan are a testament to what hard work and dedication to the craft can build in this business. We covered their latest album Big Blue World recently.
Now they sat down with us and let us know how they got to where they are and how they keep on chugging along. Enjoy the interview here:
With all the wild names of artists in today’s music scene what made you decide to stay with Fitzsimon and Brogan?
We were both in a band called, Pretty Blue Gun. Then for a brief period, we (Neil and Bee) did gigs in London as, The Hellfire Club. We then realized that our surnames, Fitzsimon and Brogan, produced the acronym, FaB. We thought this was good – perhaps an omen, so that’s why we went with that.
How would you describe the music you are making?
I suppose you would say that it’s guitar driven, melodic pop-rock, but then again, we do dabble in other genres. We don’t want to be known as an act that writes the same song over and over again.
You have both been in the music industry for quite a while. What are the biggest changes you have seen?
When we signed our first record deal, the internet was not such a huge thing. You had to have a deal really, to get your material on the radio etc. The internet has changed all that now, opening up music to a worldwide audience. The only problem with that is that you have to make sure that you stand out from the rest.
Do you feel the current music scene is better or worse? How?
We think the current music scene is pretty dire. In England, for example, what is termed as ‘pop music’ is formulated, manufactured dross that sounds like it has come straight off a conveyor belt. However, there are bands out there, if you look hard enough, that work to the ethos of musicianship and songwriting.
Now being strictly a studio act how does that free up your time to write more songs?
Well, even when we were a live act, there was never any shortage of material. Though I think we should add that quality definitely comes before quantity. If there is any doubt that the song is not working, then it is better to move on until something comes naturally.
Tell us about your newest album Big Blue World?
We wanted to create an album of variation… so we were not afraid to write and record in different styles. I know that a lot of record companies like to pigeon-hole their acts, but that is not something that we were prepared to do. Luckily, WTPL (the record company we’re with), give us that artistic freedom.
As veterans of the music industry, what advice would you give to new artists just getting their start?
Be single-minded. Be prepared to take knocks as sometimes the disappointments outweigh your expectations. Self-belief is the key to it all.
What does the future look like for Fitzsimon and Brogan?
Well firstly, we have another album due for release in the fall. It’s called, The Girl Who Shouted Love at the Heart of the World. Again, it will be released through WTPL. And our situation remains the same – onwards, ever onwards!
